Ignition Problem?

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum but have been reading. I got a problem and was hoping one of you guys if not more had a solution. I have a 95 KZ1000p that I just recently purchased. Just put new plug wires on but cylinder number 4 isn't running. I checked compression and it's was good. Sparked plug showed it was getting fuel. All other 3 cylinders are running hot and well. Cylinder 4 dead cooled. Any suggestions?

Kenneth Brisco wrote: Hey guys, I'm new to this forum but have been reading. I got a problem and was hoping one of you guys if not more had a solution. I have a 95 KZ1000p that I just recently purchased. Just put new plug wires on but cylinder number 4 isn't running. I checked compression and it's was good. Sparked plug showed it was getting fuel. All other 3 cylinders are running hot and well. Cylinder 4 dead cooled. Any suggestions?

Hello, Kenneth Brisco, and WELCOME to KZr!

The usual suspects:
Defective spark plug;
Lack of compression (perhaps due to insufficient valve clearance);
Improper pilot mixture (perhaps maladjusted, or too high fuel level inside float bowls).

Good Fortune!

See I checked compression of that cylinder and it was good. So maybe just a defective spark plug. I'll test it when I get home. Thanks for your time Patton.

One thing you might try that can at least eliminate some variables - if you can hook the #4 spark plug wire to #1 and the #1 wire to #4 you can make sure there are no issues with the coil, wire, or cap. If #1 still runs but #4 still fails to run all the ignition stuff is good. If the problem moves from #4 to #1 you have something going wrong in the coil, wire, or cap. Ed

Wow, that's a great idea. Can't believe I didn't think of that. Thanks 650ed. I'm gonna try that in a bit I'll let you know how that goes.

So all plug wires work. All cylinders have compression. I switched the wires around still nothing.
Also I ran the wires where left side coil had 1 on top 4 on bottom. Right side coil had 3 on top, 2 on bottom. This setup still left my cylinder #4 cold and ended up causing a fire.
Any suggestions?

sounds like a blocked pilot jet in the carbs.
by any chance is it a vacuum fuel tap? does it connect to no 4?


had the same problem with a set of carbs recently.
the vacuum pipe was split and was sucking in air.

I can look at them.
The blocked pilot jet would explain the #4 cylinder in theory right? When I pulled that plug it had fuel though that's what's weird.
Can you explain why it might be a blocked pilot jet for me Oldzed?

Perhaps not applicable in this instance, but another consideration regarding compression is that a too tight valve in #4 could be sealing and allowing compression while cold, but lose all clearance and allow compression to escape when the engine warms.

In summary, acceptable cold compression figures do not necessarily guarantee acceptable warm compression figures.

Good Fortune!

Kenneth Brisco wrote: . . . When I pulled that plug it had fuel though that's what's weird . . . .

Remember to assure correct fuel level by performing the clear tube test.

A too high fuel level causes over-rich mixture in an otherwise perfect carb.

Good Fortune!

What is the clear tube test? Never heard of it?
Also my petcock only has a on, prime, and reserve position so fuel is free flowing to the carbs and can't shut off completely. So I'm pretty sure the carbs are constantly flooded.

The petcock is designed to allow gasoline flow in the ON and RES positions only when the engine is running.
The PRI position should allow gasoline flow with or without the engine running.

Would recommend acquiring a genuine Kawasaki Factory Service Manual that covers the particular model at hand. Most of us are pretty much lost without it.

Good Fortune!